The Government of Kenya has announced that it will provide loans of up to Sh300,000 to young people who secure jobs abroad but lack the necessary funds to cover pre-travel expenses. Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua made the announcement following a meeting with the Youth Fund team led by CEO Josiah Moriasi.
The loans, offered through the Youth Fund, will help eligible youths cover costs such as visa fees, airfare, and other essential travel expenses. According to CS Mutua, the government has successfully secured thousands of job opportunities overseas, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries. However, financial barriers often prevent qualified candidates from seizing these opportunities. The migration loans aim to bridge this gap and ensure that deserving young Kenyans can access these life-changing jobs.
“The Youth Fund will provide migration loans of up to Sh300,000 to eligible youth who have secured jobs in the UAE and other countries but face financial challenges in meeting pre-travel costs such as visa fees, airfare, and other necessary expenses,” Mutua stated in a post on X.
Present at the meeting was Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, who echoed the government’s commitment to empowering Kenyan youths. The Youth Fund CEO, Josiah Moriasi, reassured the government of the Fund’s dedication to supporting labour mobility, emphasizing that financial constraints should not hinder young people from accessing global job markets.
“This initiative aligns with our broader goal of empowering young people by providing them with the means to access decent and well-paying jobs globally, ultimately improving livelihoods and contributing to Kenya’s economic growth,” said Moriasi.
The initiative is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s strategy to curb unemployment by facilitating Kenyan youths’ access to international job markets. Over the past few months, the government has successfully established partnerships that have enabled young Kenyans to secure employment in countries such as Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai.
The Kazi Majuu initiative reflects a broader economic policy aimed at leveraging global employment opportunities to benefit Kenyan youth. As the cost of living rises and the job market remains tight, such initiatives offer a practical solution to unemployment while also enabling remittances that contribute to the country’s economic growth.
With the government’s continued commitment to creating employment opportunities, the migration loan scheme is expected to provide a much-needed boost for thousands of young Kenyans eager to transform their lives through overseas employment.
